Isotropic negative thermal expansion ceramics and process for making

ABSTRACT

Ceramic monoliths are described which exhibit tunable coefficients of thermal expansion from about −5 to −11×10 −6 ° C. −1  near ambient temperatures. These two-phase ceramics, which are fabricated, for example, by reactive sintering of WO 3  and ZrO 2 , consists of a matrix of ZrW 2 O 8  with inclusions of ZrO 2  having diameters less than 10 μm. Additives may increase the density of the monoliths to greater than 98% of the calculated density. Green body densities, pre-sintered particle size distribution, sintering atmosphere, microstructure, and mechanical properties are discussed. These ceramics may be used as substrates for thermally compensating fiber Bragg gratings.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention pertains to isotropic, negative thermal expansion ceramics, and to a process for preparing isotropic, negative thermal expansion ceramics which may, for instance, be used in temperature compensating grating packages.

TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

[0002] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,694,503, incorporated herein by reference, it is possible to package a fiber grating on or in a negative expansion material so that the package and grating dimensions decrease with an increase in temperature, resulting in minimal variation of the reflection wavelength with temperature.

[0003] In order for this approach to be practical the value for the thermal expansion of the package/substrate material must lie within an acceptable range. The ideal expansion coefficient is given by the expression $\alpha_{ideal} = {\alpha_{fiber} + \frac{- A}{\left( {1 - P_{e}} \right)\quad \lambda_{nom}}}$

[0004] where α_(fiber) is the thermal expansion of the fiber grating (for instance, 0.55×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹), A is the temperature sensitivity of the unpackaged grating (e.g., 0.0115 nm °C.⁻¹ for a particular 1550 nm grating), P_(e) is the photoelastic constant (typically 0.22) and λ_(nom) is the nominal grating wavelength (˜1550 nm in many cases). For a particular 1550 nm grating an “ideal” package material would have a thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of −8.96×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹. A package material will still be beneficial even if its thermal expansion is not exactly equal to the ideal value. For the above assumptions a factor of about 20 improvement in temperature sensitivity would be achieved if the package material's thermal expansion coefficient were within 0.47×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹ of the ideal value. Such improvement in thermal stability of a fiber grating would be of commercial importance.

[0005] It is known that ZrW₂O₈ is metastable at room temperature, with the lower limit of stability being at 1105±3° C., below which ZrW₂O₈ decomposes into ZrO₂ and WO₃. See, for instance, J. Graham et al., J. American Ceramics Society, Volume 42, page 570 (1959), and L. L. Y. Chang et al., J. American Ceramics Society, Volume 50, page 211 (1967). It is also known that ZrW₂O₈ has a relatively high and isotropic negative coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) over an extensive range of temperatures that includes room temperature. See, for instance, C. Martinek et al., J. American Ceramics Society, Volume 51, page 227 (1968) and T. A. Mary et al., Science, Volume 272, page 90 (1996). Specifically, the CTE is substantially constant from near absolute zero temperature to 150° C., with a value near −10×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹. The material exhibits an order-disorder transition at 150° C., after which the CTE drops to −5×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹. This value of the CTE is maintained until the decomposition of ZrW₂O₈ which occurs at a relatively high rate near 800° C.

[0006] In view of this complex behavior of ZrW₂O₈, it is not surprising that earlier attempts to produce mechanically strong monolithic bodies of ZrW₂O₈, that have a predetermined negative CTE, did not yield fully satisfactory results. For instance, C. Verdon et al., Scripta Materialia, Volume 36, page 1075 (1997) report that their attempts to form electrically conducting bodies from ZrW₂O₈ and Cu with a low CTE resulted in decomposition of the ZrW₂O₈ and formation of Cu₂O along with other compounds. Such decomposition is generally undesirable and hinders the production of suitable bodies.

[0007] To the best of our knowledge, prior art efforts to make ZrW₂O₈ ceramic bodies used the conventional technique of sintering ZrW₂O₈ powder. Thus produced bodies have densities less than 90% of the theoretical density and exhibit relatively poor mechanical properties, specifically, a low modulus of rupture. Additional prior art describes the preparation of ZrW₂O₈ powder from oxide precursors to be an incomplete reaction.

[0008] In view of the importance, for instance, a reduction of the temperature dependence of the reflection wavelength of optical fiber gratings, it would be highly desirable to be able to reproducibly make mechanically strong ceramic bodies having tunable negative CTE values, the ceramic bodies being useful, for example, for packaging of fiber gratings. This application discloses a method for making such bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] We have made the surprising discovery that reactive sintering of appropriate percursor powders (e.g., ZrO₂ and WO₃) can result in (negative CTE) bodies (e.g., ZrW₂O₈) with substantially improved properties, as compared to analogous bodies produced by the prior art sintering techniques.

[0010] To the best of our knowledge, the prior art does not provide any suggestion that the use of reactive sintering could provide the observed improved results. By “reactive sintering” we mean herein compacting the unsintered body of the precursor oxides, rather than the powder of the desired final phase, and then forming the desired phase and densifying the body in a single heat treatment step.

[0011] In a broad aspect of the invention is embodied in a method of making negative CTE ceramic bodies, and in bodies produced by the method.

[0012] More specifically, the invention is embodied in a method of making a ceramic body having isotropic negative thermal expansion, the body having a major constituent selected from the group consisting of ZrW₂O₈, HfW₂O₈, ZrV₂O₇ and HfV₂O₇. The method comprises the steps of providing a powder mixture, forming a “green” body that comprises the powder mixture, and heat treating the green body. The powder mixture comprises a first and a second oxide precursor powder, selected respectively from the group consisting of ZrO₂ powder and HfO₂ powder, and the group consisting of WO₃ powder and V₂O₅ powder. The heat treatment of the green body includes heating the body to a temperature below the melting temperature of the selected constituent, such that the selected major constituent is formed from the green body by reactive sintering.

[0013] By a “green” body we mean herein the compacted precursor powders as a monolithic body prior to sintering.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment the powder mixture has a non-stoichiometric composition (e.g., excess ZrO₂), and the heat treatment results in formation of a 2-phase material, e.g., ZrW₂O₈ majority phase, with ZrO₂ inclusions dispersed in the majority phase. This embodiment allows tailoring of the CTE of the body.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment the powder mixture comprises a minor amount of a sintering aid (e.g., Y₂O₃, Bi₂O₃, Al₂O₃, ZnO, TiO₂, SnO₂), whereby the density of the sintered body is substantially increased.

[0016] Important note for processing

[0017] Due to the unusually narrow stability region of ZrW₂O₈, standard techniques for synthesizing and densifying composite ceramics containing ZrW₂O₈ produce monoliths with inadequate physical properties. High purity ZrW₂O₈ is thermally stable between 1105 and 1260° C. Above 1260° C. ZrW₂O₈ peritectically decomposes into a Liquid phase, and below 1105° C. it decomposes into ZrO₂ and WO₃. Additives significantly alter the stability region of ZrW₂O₈; this study demonstrates a working temperature range of 1140 to 1180° C. for Y₂O₃ doped ZrW₂O₈.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0018]FIG. 1. Percent densities of ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ monoliths with Y₂O₃ additive plotted with respect to weight percent of additional ZrO₂.

[0019]FIG. 2. SEM micrograph of a ZrW₂O₈.18 wt. % ZrO₂ monolith viewed with secondary electron imaging. ZrO₂ inclusions with various particle sizes having a maximum diameter of approximately 10 μm appear with darker contrast.

[0020]FIG. 3. Relative thermal expansion of a ZrW₂O₈.9.5 wt. % ZrO₂ monolith taken over an extensive temperature range. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for the range −100 to 100° C. and 200 to 300° C. is −10×10⁻⁶ and 3×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹, respectively. A reversible order-disorder transition takes place near 140° C. which does not compromise the mechanical strength of the monolith.

[0021]FIG. 4. Relative thermal expansion over ambient working temperatures for several ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ monoliths. The following compositions are presented (label, wt. % excess ZrO₂, volume fraction ZrO₂): a, 37.0%, 0.337; b, 19.5%, 0.174; c, 9.5%, 0.084, d, 0%, 0. Nonlinearity of the thermal expansion is enhanced as the zirconia content increases.

[0022]FIG. 5 illustrates the dependence of the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) between 0 and 100° C. of two-phase ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ ceramics as weight percent of additional ZrO₂. The change in CTE demonstrates a linear relationship to the relative amount of ZrO₂ inclusions.

[0023]FIG. 6. Reflection wavelength of a fiber Bragg grating as a function of temperature is compensated by a ZrW₂O₈ 9.5 wt. % ZrO₂ substrate throughout ambient temperature range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The synthesis of ZrW₂O₈ has been described as challenging due its metastability. However, the fabrication of monoliths via reactive sintering is straightforward and reproducible upon consideration of the following points: additives (including impurities), particle size, and sintering atmosphere. Similarly, reactive sintering may be used to prepare HfW₂O₈, ZrV₂O₇, and HfV₂O₇.

[0025] Additives

[0026] In phase equilibria, additives which form a eutectic may be utilized as a liquid phase sintering aid, thereby significantly increasing the density of a ceramic. Liquid phases accelerate material transport during sintering by serving as a solvent for the solid phase with subsequent precipitation to yield dense ceramics. Monoliths of ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ prepared with a Y₂O₃ additive have achieved, densities greater than 99% the calculated theoretical density (FIG. 1). The density of a high purity ZrW₂O₈ monolith is only 92%. Several oxides typically used as sintering aids including refractory oxides were investigated (Table 1). Increased densities were observed without decomposition of ZrW₂O₈ for small amounts (0.1 wt. %) of additives. In order to easily observe enhanced differences in density, the samples were milled for only two hours (vide infra). Of the additives which were surveyed, all increased the density of the monoliths with exception of SiO₂. The following series illustrates the relative effectiveness of the additives: Y₂O₃>Bi₂O₃>Al₂O₃˜ZnO>TiO₂.

[0027] Densification via liquid phase sintering has been demonstrated in several ceramic systems and is extensively employed in the ceramic industry in order to decrease sintering times and temperatures. For effective liquid phase sintering, only 1 vol. % of liquid within grain boundaries is necessary to aid densification. Increasing the concentration of Al₂O₃, TiO₂, or Y₂O₃, to a few weight percent leads to complete decomposition of ZrW₂O₈ and melting of the monolith at the sintering temperature. This suggests that a liquid phase is present at 1180° C. even at low concentrations of additives. Similar equilibria have been observed in the alkali metal-WO₃—ZrO₂ systems with eutectic temperatures below 600° C. Consequently, liquid phase sintering is a preferred mechanism for enhanced densification.

[0028] Due to the impact of additives on the sintered density, it is important to characterize the impurities in the starting materials and grinding media. An important consideration is the selection of appropriate grinding media based on composition in order to prevent undesired impurities, such as Al₂O₃ and calcium stabilized ZrO₂, from incorporation into the monoliths.

[0029] Pre-sintering Particle Size

[0030] The particle size, particle size distribution, and uniformity of particle packing are important factors in the densification process. In this study of the preparation of ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ monoliths, these factors have the greatest impact on sintered density. In general, smaller particles are more reactive and tend to densify at lower temperatures. Coarse particles have less surface energy which diminishes the driving force for consolidation. For conventional powder processing, the optimum particle diameter is approximately 1 μm. Particles significantly smaller than this are difficult to pack uniformly and densely due to agglomeration and undergo excessive shrinkage with entrapped porosity during firing. In addition, a range of particle sizes is advantageous towards achieving maximum packing density in the green body. However, non-uniformities in particle packing may result in voids which are difficult to eliminate during the densification process. Variations in green body densities produced during the forming process can also result in warpage during sintering.

[0031] The dependence of sintered density on green body density was accomplished by dry-pressing samples at applied pressures of 1000 psi to 20,000 psi. All the samples were pressed in the same ¼ in. cylindrical die and therefore had the same green diameter. Information in Table 2 expounds the effects of green body density on linear shrinkage and the aspect ratio of the pellets after sintering. Samples pressed at lower pressures had lower green densities and underwent greater linear shrinkage during firing. All samples consolidated to a similar density of approximately 4.45 g/cm³, independent of their initial green densities. The initial particle size or surface area, rather than initial green density of the compact had a greater impact on the final sintered density. These data suggest that the primary driving force for densification of ZrW₂O₈ is the reduction of surface free energy. However, complexities due to reactive sintering with the aid of additives obscure the sole effect of surface energy minimization.

[0032] The as-received mixture of powders had a bimodal particle size distribution around 600 μm and 50 μm. Monoliths fabricated from this coarse, unreactive material actually decreased in density after sintering. It was necessary to comminute the starting materials by vibratory milling. As the milling time increased the particle size initially decreased significantly to approximately 1 μm diameter. Milling times were limited to 16 h due to concerns of contamination from the grinding media.

[0033] Sintering Atmosphere

[0034] Loss of oxygen in ZrW₂O₈ has been observed at temperatures as low as 500° C. in vacuum, while retaining the crystal structure. Another study found that oxygen scavengers (e.g. Cu) promote decomposition of ZrW₂O₈ at low temperatures (600° C.) through the formation of Cu₂O. It has been found that monoliths sintered in air at 1180° C. partially decompose on the surface, followed by volatilization of WO₃. Heating ZrW₂O₈ in a N₂ atmosphere at the sintering temperature leads to complete decomposition into ZrO₂ and WO₃, whereas sintering in pure oxygen produced single phase ZrW₂O₈ with minimal surface decomposition. In addition, monoliths sintered in oxygen demonstrated reproducible physical properties.

[0035] Microstructure

[0036] The microstructure of a nearly stoichiometric ZrW₂O₈ monolith reveals large grains of ZrW₂O₈ having approximately a 20 μm diameter which form the matrix of the ceramic. The uniform distribution of pores and grain sizes is indicative of a homogeneously sintered material. A SEM micrograph of a ZrW₂O₈.18 wt. % ZrO₂ monolith is presented in FIG. 2 in which excess zirconia is observed as nearly spherical inclusions having various diameters. Individual ZrW₂O₈ grains cannot be distinguished in the SEM image.

[0037] For the ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ compositions surveyed, the ZrO₂ volume fraction was below the percolation limit such that a 0-3 connectivity (isolated inclusions of ZrO₂ in a matrix of ZrW₂O₈) was preserved. The percolation limit for a second phase with monodisperse diameters has been calculated to exist at a critical volume fraction of 0.183. Although we have prepared samples with a greater volume fraction of zirconia, all evidence indicates isolated inclusions. Thus significantly higher volume fractions are necessary to reach the percolation limit which is due to the distribution of diameters of the inclusions. Beyond the percolation limit the properties of a monolith with two interpenetrating 3-dimensional matrices (3-3 connectivity) may demonstrate anomalies. In addition, it is possible that the stress placed on a 3-3 ceramic due to the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation of the ZrO₂ matrix would lead to catastrophic failure of the monoliths.

[0038] Powder X-ray diffraction indicates the presence of only the α—ZrW₂O₈ phase (Powder Diffraction File, Joint Committee on Powder Diffraction Standards, JCPDS, Swarthmore, Pa., card number 13-557) and monoclinic Baddeleyite ZrO₂ phase (JCPDS card number 37-1484). However, small amounts of additional phases may be present. The lower detectable limit of other phases by X-ray diffraction is estimated to be 1%.

[0039] Thermal Expansivity

[0040] ZrW₂O₈ has demonstrated a negative thermal expansion from 0.3 to 1050 K. The temperature dependence of the thermal expansion of a monolith of ZrW₂O₈ with 9.5 wt. % excess ZrO₂ is shown in FIG. 3. The order-disorder phase transition at 150° C. is reversible and does not compromise the mechanical strength of the monoliths. In addition, cracking due to the large difference in thermal expansion of ZrW₂O₈ and ZrO₂ was not observed over the temperature range of −100° to 300° C. The linear negative thermal expansion of the composite facilitates its utilization in applications.

[0041] The coefficient of thermal expansion of diphasic ceramic monoliths can be tuned by compensating the large negative thermal expansion of ZrW₂O₈ with a material having a positive CTE such as ZrO₂. Zirconia was chosen as the second phase for its thermodynamic stability in the presence of ZrW₂O₈ and for the ease of processing via the reactive sintering technique. Several other refractories react with ZrW₂O₈ at the sintering temperature and therefore lead to irreproducible results due to decomposition. In addition to stability, the thermal expansion of ZrO₂ is roughly linear from 20 to 100° C. with a CTE of 8×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹. This is advantageous since the compensation of the thermal expansion leads to an averaged CTE which is also linear over ambient temperatures (FIG. 4). These diphasic ceramics can be tuned from −5 to −11×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹ for dense monoliths. A linear correlation between the CTE and the volume fraction of ZrO₂ occurs over a broad range of compositions (FIG. 5). A simple model, based on an additive relationship of thermal expansions for a monolith without zirconia with a CTE of −11×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹ and pure ZrO₂ with a CTE of 8×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹, would have a slope of 19. The linear fit to our data has a slope of 17.6 which is in close agreement for the compositions surveyed. This approach, which neglects any anomalies at the percolation limit, suggests that a monolith with a volume fraction of ZrO₂ of 0.58 would have a zero CTE.

[0042] The thermal expansion was measured along three directions normal to the faces of the ceramic bars. Although ZrW₂O₈ crystallizes in a cubic space group, the monoliths are prepared by uniaxially compressing the pre-sintered powder mixture. This processing could introduce anisotropic macroscopic properties. However, the thermal expansion of the bars demonstrates isotropic behavior. Heating rates up to 20° C./min to temperatures of 400° C. with a TMA analyzer did not reveal any decomposition or cracking which would be distinguished as irreproducibility or discontinuities in the CTE, respectively. Degradation of the ceramics was not observed through several heating and cooling cycles.

[0043] Compensating the CTE with excess WO₃ has been accomplished, but the monoliths have extremely high porosity at the surface to a depth of approximately 120 μm. In order to fabricate mechanically robust monoliths, extensive machining is necessary to remove the porous layer.

[0044] Fiber Grating Package

[0045] The Bragg wavelength (λ) in a vacuum is given by

λ=2n_(eff)Λ

[0046] where n_(eff) is the effective refractive index for the guided mode in the fiber, and Λ is the period of the index modulations of the fiber (˜0.5 μm for a particular 1550 nm grating). The Bragg wavelength of a fiber Bragg grating is temperature dependent primarily due to the temperature dependence of the refractive index of the silica based glass. In addition, the Bragg wavelength is strain dependent by altering the fringe spacing. As the temperature increases the refractive index of glass increases and vice versa. Also, due to the positive thermal expansion of silica (CTE˜0.5×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹), the fringe spacing increases slightly with temperature. The wavelength shift that corresponds to refractive index (n) changes due to temperature (T) variations and thermal expansion of silica glass (α_(thermal)) can be calculated as follows: λ = 2n  Λ $\frac{\lambda}{T} = {{2\Lambda \quad \frac{n}{T}} + {2n\quad \frac{\Lambda}{T}}}$ ${\Delta\lambda} = {{2\Lambda \quad \frac{n}{n}\frac{n}{T}\Delta \quad T} + {2n\frac{\Lambda}{\Lambda}\frac{\Lambda}{T}\Delta \quad T}}$ ${\Delta\lambda} = {{\lambda \left( {{\frac{1}{n}\quad \frac{n}{T}} + \alpha_{thermal}} \right)}\Delta \quad T}$ ${{where}\quad {CTE}} = {\alpha_{thermal} = {\frac{1}{\Lambda}\frac{\Lambda}{T}}}$

[0047] For a 100° C. temperature change the shift in wavelength for a particular 1550 nm grating is measured to be about 1.15 nm. The portion of this shift due to the CTE of the silica fiber (α_(thermal)) is ˜0.08 nm, which is less than 8% of the total shift.

[0048] As mentioned before, the grating wavelength is also sensitive to strain. If a grating is stretched, then the grating wavelength will increase. The strain and wavelength relationship can be presented as follows: $\frac{\Delta \quad \lambda}{\lambda} = {\frac{\Delta \quad l}{l}\left( {1 - P_{e}} \right)}$

[0049] where Δl/l=ε, the strain, and P_(e) is the effective photo-elastic constant (˜0.22) Due to this effect, it is possible to package a fiber grating on or in a negative expansion material so that package and grating dimensions decrease with an increase in temperature, resulting in a value of Λ that falls as the temperature increases. By choosing the appropriate negative expansion coefficient (˜−9×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹) that maintains a constant n_(eff)Λ product, a grating whose reflecting wavelength shows minimal variation with temperature can be achieved.

[0050] The dependence of the reflection wavelength of both a compensated and an uncompensated fiber Bragg grating as a function of temperature is shown in FIG. 6. The grating that is compensated by a ZrW₂O₈.9.5 wt. % ZrO₂ monolith demonstrates a 0.05 nm deviation from −40 to 80° C., which is nearly ideal. This substrate can be utilized to fabricate a thermally compensated package suitable for WDM (wavelength division multiplex) applications.

[0051] Mechanical Strength

[0052] Four-point bending tests were performed on bars of ZrW₂O₈. Preliminary tests revealed a low modulus of elasticity (0.5×10⁶ psi) for the ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂ monoliths. The modulus of rupture was determined to be 3000 psi. With regards to the grating package, an applied force of 89 N is required to break the monolith which is much greater than the maximum tensile force which is exerted by the fiber (2 N).

[0053] The monoliths demonstrate brittle failure having an approximate conchoidal fracture surface. The mechanism proceeds via intergranular fracture around ZrO₂ inclusions and intragranular throughout the ZrW₂O₈ matrix. Therefore shearing at boundaries between ZrW₂O₈ grains does not occur at room temperature.

[0054] Conclusion

[0055] Reactive sintering of WO₃ and ZrO₂ powders produces dense monoliths with adequate strengths. The reactive sintering technique circumvents the inherent metastability of ZrW₂O₈ in the early stages of densification, thereby yielding reproducible fabrication conditions. Monoliths containing zirconia inclusions demonstrate a range of thermal expansion coefficients linearly related to the volume fraction of ZrO₂. A monolith of ZrW₂O₈.xZrO₂, which exhibits a negative thermal expansion in the desired range, has been successfully prepared and shown to thermally compensate a fiber Bragg grating. TABLE 1 Effect of Sintering Aids on the Density of Monoliths Additive (0.1 wt. %) Density (g/cm³) None 3.25 SiO₂ 3.10 TiO₂ 3.82 ZnO 3.94 Al₂O₃ 3.95 Bi₂O₃ 4.05 Y₂O₃ 4.21

[0056] TABLE 2 Effect of Green Body Density on Shrinkage Applied Sintered Linear Pressure Diameter Shrinkage Aspect Density (psi) (mm) (%)^(a) Ratio^(b) (g/cm³)  1000 5.94 6.45 1.13 4.49  5000 6.02 5.20 1.17 4.42 10000 6.03 4.25 1.24 4.51 20000 6.20 2.36 1.32 4.41

EXAMPLES

[0057] The following examples are presented to assist those skilled in this technology to understand and practice the invention, without in any way intending to limit the invention to the exemplified embodiments.

Example 1

[0058] Preparation of ZrW₂O₈ composite ceramics via reactive sintering technique utilizing methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as the milling solvent.

[0059] Milling of ZrO₂ and WO₃ mixture in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) for 10-20 hours utilizing stabilized ZrO₂ grinding media.

[0060] Addition of approximately 2 wt. % of an organic binder (QPAC-40, PAC Polymers Inc.) which is soluble in MEK to above mixture,

[0061] Evaporation of MEK during continuous stirring of mixture,

[0062] Sieving of dried mixture through 30-100 mesh screen,

[0063] Pressing of powder mixtures to form green body,

[0064] Firing in an oxygen atmosphere on a bed of coarse ZrW₂O₈ grains on Pt foil,

[0065] Slowly heating said green body around 50° C. per hour to around 250° C.,

[0066] Subsequent heating of said green body around 500° C. per hour to around 1150 to 1200° C. with an optimal sintering temperature of 1180° C.,

[0067] Holding said green body at 1180° C. for around 5 hours,

[0068] Cooling quickly to room temperature by withdrawing the sintered monolith from the furnace.

Example 2

[0069] Preparation of ZrW₂O₈ composite ceramics via reactive sintering technique utilizing water as the milling solvent.

[0070] Milling of ZrO₂ and WO₃ mixutre in water for 10-20 hours utilizing stabilized ZrO₂ grinding media,

[0071] Addition of approximately 5-10 wt. % of an organic binder (polyvinyl alcohol) which is soluble in water to mixture,

[0072] Evaporation of water during continuous stirring of mixture,

[0073] Sieving of dried mixture through 30-100 mesh screen,

[0074] Pressing of powder mixture to form green body,

[0075] Firing in an oxygen atmosphere on a bed of coarse ZrW₂O₈ grains on Pt foil,

[0076] Slowly heating said green body around 50° C. per hour to around 250° C.,

[0077] Subsequent heating of said green body around 500° C. per hour to around 1150 to 1200° C. with an optimal sintering temperature of 1180° C.,

[0078] Holding said green body at 1180° C. for around 5 hours,

[0079] Cooling quicly to room temperature by withdrawing the sintered monolith from the furnace.

Example 3

[0080] Extrusion of pre-reacted powders.

[0081] Milling of ZrO₂ and WO₃ mixture in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) for 10-20 hours utilizing stabilized ZrO₂ grinding media,

[0082] Evaporation of MEK,

[0083] Sieving of dried mixture through 30-100 mesh screen,

[0084] Addition of approximately 0.3 wt. % plasticizer and lubricant (Union Carbide, PEG-400) to powder mixture.

[0085] Addition of approximately 1.0 wt. % dispersant (Angus Chemical Co., AMP-95) to powder mixture,

[0086] Addition of approximately 4.5 wt. % binder (Rohm and Haas, B-1051) to powder mixture,

[0087] Addition of approximately 2.4 wt. % binder (Rohm and Haas, B-1052) to powder mixture,

[0088] Addition of approximately 6.1 wt. % water to powder mixture.

[0089] Blended under low shear conditions,

[0090] Extruded through die at room temperature.

Example 4

[0091] Preparation of ZrV₂O₇ composite ceramics via reactive sintering technique utilizing water as the milling solvent.

[0092] Milling of ZrO₂ and V₂O₅ mixture in water for 10-20 hours utilizing stabilized ZrO₂ grinding media,

[0093] Addition of approximately 5-10 wt. % of an organic binder (polyvinyl alcohol) which is soluble in water to mixture,

[0094] Evaporation of water during continuous stirring of mixture,

[0095] Sieving of dried mixture through 30-100 mesh screen,

[0096] Pressing of powder mixture to form green body,

[0097] Firing in an oxygen atmosphere on a bed of coarse ZrV₂O₇ grains on Pt foil,

[0098] Slowly heating said green body around 50° C. per hour to around 250° C.,

[0099] Holding said green body at 850-900° C. for around 5 hours,

[0100] Cooling quickly to room temperature by withdrawing the sintered monolith from the furnace.

[0101] It is understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can readily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all the features of patentable novelty that reside in the present invention, including all features that would be treated as equivalents thereof by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of making a ceramic body having an isotropic negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the body having a major constituent selected from the group consisting of ZrW₂O₈, HfW₂O₈, ZrV₂O₇ and HfV₂O₇, comprising the steps of, a) preparing a powder mixture comprising a first and a second oxide precursor powder, the first oxide precursor powder selected from the group consisting of ZrO₂ powder and HfO₂ powder, and the second oxide precursor powder selected from the group consisting of WO₃ powder and V₂O₅ powder; b) forming a green body comprising said powder mixture; and c) heat treating the green body at a temperature below the melting temperature of the selected major constituent, and forming the selected major constituent from the heat treated green body by reactive sintering.
 2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the powder mixture contains a non-stoichiometric amount of one of the first and second precursor powders, such that said ceramic body further comprises a second constituent, the non-stoichiometric amount selected to provide the ceramic body with a predetermined value of the negative coefficient of thermal expansion.
 3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the powder mixture further comprises a sintering aid selected to yield an increased density of the ceramic body.
 4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the sintering aid is selected from the group consisting of Y₂O₃, Bi₂O₃, Al₂O₃, ZnO, TiO₂, SnO₂ and combinations thereof.
 5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said powder mixture is prepared by vibrational milling of said first and second oxide precursor powders in a milling solvent to form a slurry, adding a binder to said slurry, and evaporating said milling solvent to form a powder mixture.
 6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said green body is formed by sieving said powder mixture to form a sieved powder, and pressing said sieved powder to form a green powder.
 7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said heat treatment comprises firing said green body in an oxygen atmosphere, slow heating said fired body to about 250° C., subsequently heating to about 1150° to 1200° and soaking said body for about 5 hours, and quenching said heated body to room temperature to form said ceramic body having an isotropic negative coefficient of thermal expansion.
 8. A composition consisting essentially of the ceramic body produced by the process of claim 1 .
 9. A two-phase composition comprising a first phase consisting essentially of the ceramic body produced by the process of claim 2 , and a second phase comprising at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of WO₃, V₂O₅, ZrO₂ and HfO₂.
 10. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 , wherein said second phase consists essentially of WO₃.
 11. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 , wherein said second phase consists essentially of ZrO₂.
 12. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 , wherein said second phase consists essentially of HfO₂.
 13. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 , wherein said second phase consists essentially of V₂O₅.
 14. The two-phase composition according to claim 10 , containing up to about 35 weight % WO₃, compared to the weight of the first phase.
 15. The two-phase composition according to claim 11 , containing up to about 35 weight % ZrO₂, compared to the weight of the first phase.
 16. The two-phase composition according to claim 12 , containing up to about 35 weight % HfO₂, compared to the weight of the first phase.
 17. The two-phase composition according to claim 13 , containing up to about 35 weight % V₂O₅, compared to the weight of the first phase.
 18. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 having a thermal expansion coefficient of about −9±2.5×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹.
 19. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 having a thermal expansion coefficient of about −9±1×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹.
 20. The two-phase composition according to claim 9 having a thermal expansion coefficient of about −9±0.25×10⁻⁶° C.⁻¹.
 21. An article comprising an optical fiber attached to a support, said support comprising a two-phase composition according to claim 9 .
 22. An article comprising an optical fiber attached to a support, said support comprising a two-phase composition according to claim 11 .
 23. An article comprising an optical fiber attached to a support, said support comprising a two-phase composition according to claim 15 .
 24. An article comprising an optical fiber attached to a support, said support comprising a two-phase composition according to claim 18 . 